Obama: America More Free & Fair Because Of MLK, March

3 years ago

(Washington, DC) -- President Obama claims America is "more fair and more free" because of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington. Obama evoked memories of Dr. King on the 50th anniversary of the March. Speaking at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King made his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, the President said the event awakened America's "long-slumbering conscience." He argued that the struggle for justice and equality continues, adding, "I know the road will be long, but I know we can get there."

Obama said the March on Washington helped inspire passage of the landmark Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. He noted that Dr. King's words "belong to the ages, possessing a power and prophecy unmatched in our time." Obama said King preached the prophecy of non-violent dissent and stressed that his "mighty voice expressed the quiet hopes of millions with unmatched power."